Thanks to Pete Simonson for
the suggestion of remembering our radio friends who have passed on.
We'll
include our own articles as well as obituaries.
| 2010 |
| Dick
Westervelt The Voice of Stetson Baseball Passes Richard (Dick) Westervelt, age 85, of DeLand, Florida passed away on Monday, September 6th of congestive heart failure at the Hospice of Volusia County in Orange City, Florida. Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Dick moved to DeLand in 1953 with his wife, Wilda and went to work at WJBS-AM 1490 radio (owned at the time by Stetson University). He went on to work for the DeLand Sun News as its Managing Editor and then to First Federal of Mid-Florida (later to become Empire of America) as a Senior Vice President. Dick rejoined his first employer, Stetson University, in 1984 working in the Athletic Department as the Sports Information Director. After his retirement in 1994, he continued to broadcast Stetson sporting events (as well as many DeLand High School Football games) as the play by play announcer as he had since 1953. He retired from his broadcasting duties following the baseball season in 2005. Dick was most proud of his 55 year association with Stetson, especially his work in the athletic department as the radio voice of Stetson baseball for over 3 decades. He was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church since 1956, and over the years was involved in countless community activities serving with the DeLand Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, DeLand Lions Club, American Red Cross, and the March of Dimes. He was one of the founding members of the DeLand Babe Ruth League and served for 20 years as a coach, director and umpire in both the Babe Ruth and Little Leagues of DeLand. Dick was predeceased by his father, Andrew Westervelt, his mother, Marion Westervelt, his daughter, Christine Westervelt and daughter-in-law, Kathy Westervelt. Dick is survived by his wife, Wilda Westervelt; son, Andy of Batesville, Ark.; son, John and his wife, Vicki of Jonesboro, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Chris, Sarah and Alex. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. at the Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donate if you wish to your favorite charity or donations can be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church - Building Fund. The address is 306 West Wisconsin Ave., DeLand, FL 32720. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lankford Funeral Home of DeLand (386-734-2244). |
Mickie Edwardson dies; helped found WUFT-FM The former professor worked at WUFT-TV, helped start the radio station and was a film critic for The Sun By Nathan Crabbe Staff writer Published: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:01 a.m. A retired University of Florida journalism professor, who started at UF's (The University of Florida's) public television station in its early years and helped launch the university's public radio station, has died. Mickie Edwardson, 80, died Saturday in Gainesville following complications from an accident. She retired in 1994 after 38 years with UF but continued to stay involved with the College of Journalism and Communications and the radio station as a contributor and fundraiser. "She was a great friend. She was a mentor to students and faculty for many decades," said Dave Ostroff, chairman of the college's department of telecommunication. Edwardson started as a producer-director at WUFT-TV soon after it began in 1958 and programmed classical music for WRUF-FM (103.7) before working toward the creation of the university's public radio station, WUFT-FM (89.1). Sid Pactor, who was a student of hers in the 1960s and later a colleague on the journalism faculty, said she was very demanding as a teacher and dissertation adviser but also fair and kind. "Students sort of lived in fear of her, but I think it was mostly a bluff," he said. Edwardson also served as a film critic for The Gainesville Sun. She was a big opera fan and after she retired helped WUFT-FM raise money during opera programming. "She was always a very, very strong supporter of classical music, especially the opera," said Henri Pensis, a former station manager. She continued to stay involved with the college after her retirement. She contributed financially toward student documentaries after the budget was cut for the Documentary Institute and helped pay for a trip to Haiti for a documentary student after the university restricted the use of its funding because a ban on travel there. "Her intellect, her curiosity was just boundless," said Churchill Roberts, co-director of the institute. She established an endowed scholarship at the college in memory of James Lawrence Fly, a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and director of the American Civil Liberties Union, who was a subject of her research. She also volunteered for local United Nations and League of Women Voters groups and mentored at Westwood Middle School. "She was ahead of her time in terms of women's rights and free speech," said Elizabeth Allen, her stepdaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Edwardson, a professor in UF's agronomy department. Copyright © 2010 Gainesville.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only. |
Walter D. Kimble: He Had A Lifelong Love Of Music April 25, 2010 By Eloísa Ruano González, Orlando Sentinel Walter D. Kimble was a lucky man — he spent nearly a century doing what he loved: playing the organ. His mother was an organist and taught him to play when he was 4; he got his first part-time job as an organ player for a Titusville theater at 16. He would play the Wurlitzer organ during silent films, which also featured the sounds of castanets, snare drums and train whistles. Kimble of Winter Park met his wife while playing at one of his concerts, also partially supporting the two of them by giving private piano and organ lessons until he was 70. He also performed at nightclubs, joined a radio station as a staff organist, and had a 15-minute show on Orlando's first television station. Kimble, who began his full-time music career on WDBO-AM 580 radio, died on Wednesday. He was 97. "He never made a lot of money, but he loved what he did," his son, Bob Kimble, 62, of Altamonte Springs said. Kimble, born in Philadelphia, received degrees in music from Rollins College and the University of Michigan. He became the organist at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, United Church of Christ in the late 1950s after playing at several other churches in downtown Orlando. He stayed on for 36 years. "He was most proud of being an organist at the church," his son said. Kimble helped install the church's pipe organ in 1965. The pipe organ was his favorite instrument. He compared the elaborate instrument to a Cadillac, and he needed a ladder to climb up to fix the pipes. He played during choir rehearsals, weddings, memorial services and Sunday worship. In a 1993 interview with the Sentinel, Kimble said "I don't like to brag, but… I've probably not missed more than four regular church services in the 36 years and the same number of rehearsals." "It was very tiring," said his daughter-in-law Julie Kimble, 60. He left the organ bench in the mid-90s after his doctor recommended he retire to take care of his health. But he never quit his music, performing for his grandchildren. And he could play any style of music — from classical to dance to rock. Married for 72 years, he frequently played at home for his wife, Hallie. When the couple had to move into the Winter Park Towers, an assisted-living community, Kimble made sure to bring a keyboard, filling the apartment with music while his wife drew. She died in January, which was a big blow to her husband. Kimble played her favorite song, "The Twelfth of Never," for the last time at a memorial service at the Towers about a week ago. "His love for music, I think that is what kept him going this long," Julie Kimble said. "He played all the time and he played every day." Survivors also include two grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Altamonte Springs is in charge of arrangements. Eloísa Ruano González can be reached egonzalez@orlandosentinel.com or 407-650-6673. |
David Martin Young Published: March 31. 2010 4:00AM PST Bend Bulletin Oct. 21, 1952 - March 27, 2010 After an 8-month battle with
cancer, David Martin Young passed away on Saturday, March 27,
2010, in Bend, OR. He was 57 years old. A
funeral service will be held at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home on
Friday, April 2, at 3:30 pm. Their will be a reception following the
service at a private residence. David was born Oct. 21, 1952, in St.
Louis, MO, to parents, Martin and Cecilia Young. David received an
Electrical Engineer Degree from the University of MO. On May 5, 1978,
David married Nancy S. Bean in Godfrey, IL. They had a loving marriage
of 31 years. The marriage produced one daughter, Jessica L. Young, 24
years old. David was a very smart and talented man. His passions
included electrical design, electrical engineering, broadcast
engineering and the performing arts. He shared his brains and skills
with many companies over the years such as, McDonnell Douglas Corp.,
Sperry Corp., Harris Corp., Murphy Lighting Systems and Bend Radio
Group. David also owned Theatre Support Systems of Orlando, FL.
David also worked as an engineer at |
Martin Timmer 3-4-10 Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on March 7, 2010 Martin J. Timmer, Jr., age 92, died on March 4, 2010 at Wellington by the Sea. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Marie Timmer, also, brothers, Arthur and Bill Timmer. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Geraldine (Geri) Timmer; daughter, Nancy Rodriguez; son Martin; four grandchildren; stepdaughter, Laura Brugnetti; and sister, Anne Higgs. After graduating from Hope College he served 4 years in the Army during World War II. He retired from the H. J. Heinz Company after working 30 years in Chicago as District Manager. After retiring he later worked for WSBB-AM 1230 in the sales department. He was an avid golfer and a member of Tomoka Oaks Country Club. Memorial donations may be made to Florida Hospital Hospice, 770 W. Granada Blvd., Suite # 304, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. |
Gene Chenault Dead At 90 2-26-10 Gene Chenault, who with Bill Drake (who died in November of 2008) headed Drake-Chenault Enterprises, died on Tuesday, Feb. 23. He was 90 years old. Chenault and Drake began their partnership in 1962, when Chenault offered Drake the opportunity to program two of his California stations, KYNO in Fresno and KSTN in Stockton. After both stations rocketed to number one, Drake-Chenault Enterprises was formed and went on to take KGB in San Diego to the top of the ratings and launch the legendary Boss Radio on KHJ Los Angeles. By the 1960s Drake-Chenault became a hugely successful company, with hundreds of client stations, offering full-time formats, sales, consulting, and special features including The History of Rock and Roll. Jones Radio Networks purchased the company in 1985. Thanks to Mark Williams for this link to Gene's obituary as it appeared in the L.A. Times |
David Marcello Jr. 2-19-10 The Brevard County Sheriff's Office reported that a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle near the intersection of State Road A1A and Grant Avenue Thursday night, February 19, in Cape Canaveral. David was known as Surfer Dave, doing weekends at WJRR-FM 101.1. |
2009  Nick Pfeifauf 12-11-09 Former WESH anchor Pfeifauf dies in his sleep Orlando Sentinel December 12, 2009
Nicholas
W. Pfeifauf thrived in the
limelight. He was a DJ for a Sanford radio station and anchored the
evening news and hosted a morning show for a Central Florida news
station. Pfeifauf of Osteen joined the WESH-Channel
2 news team in the mid-1960s as a
cameraman when he left the Sanford radio station WTRR(-AM
1400) after 10 years. He
quickly landed a seat as the television station's evening news
anchorman, transforming into a local celebrity of sorts.
Pfeifauf died Friday after suffering a heart attack. He was 77. "He was a major part of the community," daughter Donna Chamberlin of DeBary said. Her father eventually climbed the ranks to become the station's vice president for research and development. Toward the end of his 26-year career at WESH, he moved away from the hard news to host the early morning show, "Two's Country". Similar to the popular David Letterman show, Pfeifauf had bands perform on the show and interviewed a variety of guests. "He would have local programming on whatever was hot or whatever was not," Chamberlin, 46, explained. After WESH, Pfeifauf joined the staff of the Sanford Herald, covering local government and general assignments. He retired in 2005. Pfeifauf, who was born in Detroit, was better known for his own music. At 16, he started a dance band, Star Lighters. When the U.S. Navy stationed him in Central Florida, Pfeifauf, who played the keyboard, brought the tones with him. Even though he hosted a country music show, the tones weren't his favorite, said his wife Eloise Pfeifauf, 73. He liked the upbeat, peppy dance rhythms. He often performed dance music at nightclubs, weddings and charity events in Central Florida. "Had he not been such a family man, he could have done more with music. He could have gone on tour," his wife said. His biggest thrill, though, was being a father. The day his eldest daughter was born, Pfeifauf left the WTRR radio station ecstatic and in a hurry. He climbed into the wrong car and it wasn't until he arrived at the hospital in Sanford that he realized he wasn't driving his car, Chamberlin said. Pfeifauf met his wife at a dance where he was the performer. She was a senior in high school and in a singing-trio. And he was smitten. Days after the dance, Pfeifauf attended a Christmas concert at her high school in which she was performing. After searching for her last name on the concert program, he called every single "Snyder" listed in the phone book until he found her. "He was quite a romantic," his wife said. They went on their first date on New Year's Day 1954. By New Year's Eve the same year, the couple married. Even after 54 years, she said the romance never faded. On his last night on earth, Pfeifauf kissed his wife and told her twice he loved her before he slipped away in his sleep. Survivors also include daughter Linda Barnhart of Lake Mary; son Kenneth Pfeifauf of Orange City; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright © 2009, Orlando Sentinel |
Bob Andrews 11-15-09 Obituary from the Orlando Sentinel, 11/17/09 Bob Andrews, age 81, of Leesburg, died Sunday, Nov. 15 at Hospice House in Tavares. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Liz Andrews; sons Robert, Jr. and Scott; daughters Lisa Morrison and Tina Jensen; step-sons Jim Yde and John Yde; step-daughter Karen Ozolonieks; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brothers Tom Andrews, Ormond Beach, and Bill Andrews; Bartow, and sister Alice Harden, Orlando. Bob was born in Eustis and graduated from Eustis High School. He served in the Coast Guard. He was well known in the radio industry in Central Florida for more than 60 years. He began his career at WLBE-AM 790 in Leesburg in 1947 and then worked at radio stations throughout the state. He returned to WLBE in 1980 where he served as host of the "Breakfast Club" until his retirement in August. A Memorial Service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Leesburg on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Reverend John Lodge officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob's name to Cornerstone Hospice or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Arrangement entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL. Biography |
Clay Daniels 10-17-09 He cherished that old-time country sound Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - Monday, October 19, 2009 Author: Jeff Kunerth, Sentinel Staff Writer In the 1970s, when country music competed with rock 'n' roll on the radio dial, Clay Daniels was the afternoon voice of WHOO-AM. Daniels, the son of an Alabama construction worker, joined the station in 1958 and was there when the station switched to rock in 1991. As a country DJ, Daniels had a silky voice, a Hee Haw sense of humor and a loyal following of listeners, who included a 24-year-old divorcee named Delight. "I thought he was the best-looking man I'd seen in my life," said Delight Daniels, 61, who first met Daniels after being the first caller to identify Kris Kristofferson as the person who wrote "For the Good Times." Clay Daniels died Saturday of cancer the day after he turned 72. During his radio days and long afterward, Daniels was lead singer and front man of the Clay Daniels Band. His singing style was reminiscent of Jim Reeves, said his wife of 29 years. "He had that golden gilt to his voice," she said. "He was so smooth and just effortless. He opened his mouth and the music came out." The Clay Daniels Band was often the opening act when country artists came to Orlando. Daniels opened for Marty Robbins, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr., his wife said. Whether performing at the Cheyenne Saloon or the Town Pump in Orlando, the 100th anniversary of Lockhart at Lockhart Elementary School or the Florida Sunshine Opry in Eustis, Daniels knew how to get the audience out of its seats and on to the dance floor. "He was always the entertainer. He kept the audience going," Delight Daniels said. In his later years, Daniels joined a couple of other friends to create The Three Amigos, who performed the "animal circuit" of Moose, Elk and Eagles lodges. Although Daniels appreciated other kinds of music, he remained true to country even after the genre departed from the roots of the Grand Ole Opry to the commercialized, pop-influenced performers of today. He liked Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson, but he preferred George Jones and Willie Nelson. "It was never as good as the good old days," she said. Through the years, Daniels was recognized by the Florida Country Music Association for his contributions as a DJ and performer, his wife said. But to her, Clay Daniels was never a bigger star than when he was on stage singing the Garth Brooks song "If Tomorrow Never Comes." He was singing to everyone, she said, but "he sang it right to me": And if my time on Earth were through, And she must face the world without me, Is the love I gave her in the past Gonna be enough to last? Besides his wife, Clay Daniels is survived by his son, Mitch Daniels of Montverde; daughters Michele Daniels of Evergreen, Ala., and Rachele Cumbie of Groveland; stepchildren Steven Smith of St. Cloud, Loree Reilly of Wellington and Jodie Pappenheim of Clermont; brother Burt Daniels of Foley, Ala.; sisters Bernice Lindsey of Mobile, Ala., and Louise Bond of Summerdale, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. |
Mike Lyons 10-8-09 Michael G. Lyons, age 57 of Orlando, FL, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Michael is the son of Donald T. Lyons of Altamonte Springs and the late Gloria M. "Gerrard" Lyons. He is the brother of Douglas Lyons and his wife Julia Wooten of Seattle, WA; Deb Lyons and her husband Steve Jankowski of Belmar, NJ and John Lyons and his wife Helen of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a nephew Felix Lyons of Seattle, WA and a niece Ashley Clark of Dothan, AL. Mike Lyons moved to Orlando from Kittery, Maine at a young age, graduating from Edgewater High School in 1970 He began his career in Orlando in 1971 writing for the city's first underground newspaper "The Watcher". He was Music Director and announcer for WORJ-FM 107.7, WDIZ-FM 100.3 and WHTQ-FM 96.5 in Orlando, Program Director for 98 Rock (WXTB) in Tampa and spent the last 8 years of his radio career as Mornings/Assistant Program Director in Miami. Mike entered the record business in the mid 90's. From 1995 - 2000 he was VP of AAA Promotions at Lee Arnold Marketing. Mike joined TripleARadio.com as columnist of The Forest and contributing editor from 2001 - Present. A private funeral service will be held. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to pancan.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245. |
James "Jay Baby" Robinson 7-28-09 James “Jay Baby” Robinson passed away peacefully at his home in Winter Park, FL on July 27, 2009 at the age of 69. Robinson was born in Perry, FL. Jay Baby grew up in an era historically known as “race music” and throughout his life he was a key figure in promoting R&B music artists throughout the state of Florida. As a young entrepreneur, he opened Jay’s Records in Orlando, and along with Soul Train Record, Platter Shack and Jazzette’s Music, these “mom and pop” retailers served the local community. Jay’s Records provided a stage for the promotion of many great talents in their early careers, including James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Buddy McKnight, Marvin Gaye, The Main Ingredient, Johnny Mathis, Ella Washington and many others. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Stewart Memorial A.M.E. 1107 W. Hampton Springs Road, Perry, FL at 2:00 pm. A public memorial service is also being planned in Orlando. |
Annie Sommers Passes 7-27-09 Annie Sommers (Mari Ann Sollom) has lost her hard fought battle with ovarian cancer on Monday, July 27. Annie worked in Orlando at WHTQ-FM 96.5, WOCL-FM 105.9, WHVE-FM 104.1, "Star 94.5" WCFB-FM 94.5 and WMMO-FM 98.9. Annie Sommers (Mari Ann Sollom) is that enthusiastic, warm and familiar voice heard on the air in many cities over the last 32 years. Annie has worked in almost every capacity in radio, from music director to program director and of course on-air talent. She started her long successful career in Minneapolis in 1977, and has been entertaining listeners in Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Pensacola and Sarasota. One of her signature shows was the widely popular "Sunday Acoustic Brunch", which she created and aired in Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota. In the course of her career, she worked with many famous artists and was a big supporter of local music artists. She also was a firm believer in giving back to the community and could be seen lending a hand and voice at various community charitable events. |
Phyllis Hartmann Passes 7-12-09 Phyllis Hartmann was an air personality at WDAT-AM 1590, WPUL-AM 1590, WGGG-AM 1230 and WZIP-AM 1590 in the 80's and 90's has passed. She lost her battle with cancer on July 1, 2009. |
Earl Finckle 7-3-09 Earl was the "chief meteorologist" on WDBO-AM 580 for many years.  Earl Finckle, 1927-2009: Charted area weather for years Wrigley, Comiskey among institutions that relied on Finckle's forecasts By Robert Mitchum Chicago Tribune reporter July 6, 2009 With a homey sense of humor and a talent for forecasting the weather's fickle behavior, Earl Finckle became known throughout Chicago and the country as a reliable radio voice of rain-or-shine predictions. But with his private meteorological firm, Central Weather Service, Mr. Finckle also provided custom weather forecasts for a variety of local businesses and customers: groundskeepers at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park, pilots planning a flight, cement and roofing workers concerned about rain and farmers tending to their crops. "If your forecasts are accurate, your clients come back," Mr. Finckle told the Tribune in 1991. Mr. Finckle, 81, died of kidney and heart failure Friday, July 3, in Highland Park Hospital, said Sylvia, his wife of 61 years. Mr. Finckle, who was born and raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, fell into his career of weather forecasting almost by accident, his wife said. When he aced an entrance exam upon joining the Air Force, Mr. Finckle told his superiors he was interested in pursuing cryptography. But his mother's Russian citizenship and Cold War politics prevented that career, and he chose the next best thing: meteorology. After training and working for seven years in the meteorology department at Chanute Air Force Base near Rantoul in central Illinois, Mr. Finckle took a compassionate discharge to take care of his teenage siblings when his mother died, his wife said. But his meteorological career continued to bloom, first with private Chicago-area firms like Murray & Trettel, then with his own private forecasting business, Chicago Weather Service. When Mr. Finckle began his company, he rented a small hut without air-conditioning on the grounds of Palwaukee Municipal Airport in Wheeling, where he would calculate forecasts with pencil, paper and a protractor. Starting with a handful of private aviators who used the airport, Mr. Finckle attracted new customers through accurate forecasts and hard work, former co-workers said. "He was a real leader in the area of long-range forecasting. ... His forecasts could be very specific, and many times very dependable." said Wayne Peterson, who worked with Mr. Finckle for nearly 30 years. "It was something special." With radio stations in Chicago and as far away as Orlando and Maryland depending on his forecasts, Mr. Finckle would wake up at 3 a.m. to prepare his predictions and begin calling in forecasts peppered with colorful "Earlisms," his colleagues said. "Earl had a lot of personality," said Mark Rhein, a senior forecaster with Murray & Trettel who trained under and worked with Mr. Finckle. "He was bigger than life, a very professional, very interesting character that had a good sense of humor and a good wit." "The most rewarding part of this job is when you see a forecast come out right," Mr. Finckle told the Tribune in 1991. "Even better, though, is when you were right and everyone else was wrong." Mr. Finckle also is survived by two sons, Larry and Keith; a daughter, Judy; a sister, Lois; and six grandchildren; A brother, Leonard, preceded him in death. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights. |
Ray Durkee 6-28-09 Durkee stirred nostalgia on air By Virginia Culver The Denver Post Ray Durkee and "Sunday at the Memories" was heard on WKIS-AM 740 and WDBO-AM 580. Ray Durkee hosted "Sunday at the Memories" on KHOW in the 1970s. (Special to The Denver Post) Ray Durkee, a Denver radio personality for years, died unexpectedly June 28. Durkee died at his home in Bismarck, N.D., after suffering a heart attack. He was 70. Durkee was best known for his Denver show "Sunday at the Memories" on KHOW, where he played old tunes, old radio programs and even old commercials. The 1970s show was so popular that churchgoing listeners taped it because it was aired during church hours, said his ex-wife, Marilyn Ann Durkee of Denver. "Sunday at the Memories" was broadcast on 100 stations in the U.S. and Guam and even for oil workers in Saudi Arabia, his family said. Callers who weren't paying close attention sometimes thought the commercials he played referred to current prices. One time, he played a commercial that said a grocery chain was selling a pound of ground beef for 8 cents, said his son James of Denver. People raced to the store to get the bargain, only to be told that what they had heard was not the current price. For a time, Durkee broadcast from Tulagi, then a famous college dance hall in Boulder, and from the London House restaurant and ballroom on Colorado Boulevard. He had a program of oldies and broadcast two or three nights a week during the 1970s and 1980s, said Marilyn Ann Durkee. Ray Durkee had a day-in- history kind of memory, said his ex-wife. If someone asked him what date a certain musician premiered a song, Durkee could remember several other things that happened somewhere in the world on that same day. He retired from radio in the 1990s and then transferred all his vinyl and reel-to-reel recordings to CDs, his son said. Raymond W. Durkee was born in Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 27, 1938, and graduated from high school there. He attended Brown Radio Institute in Minneapolis and got his first job in Aberdeen. He then went to Bismarck, N.D., before moving to Denver in 1959. While at Denver's KTLN station, he piloted a small plane while giving the weather and traffic reports, said James Durkee. And giving those reports wasn't that easy because right below the cockpit was a wing, often obscuring his view of traffic. Durkee also worked for KOSI and KLZ. He joined KHOW in 1972. In addition to his ex-wife and son, he is survived by another son, John Durkee of Northglenn; daughters Robin Gayeske of Westminster and Raeanne Smith-Duca of Broomfield; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jim Durkee of Aberdeen. A great- grandchild preceded him in death. |
Greg Wolas 6-13-09 Greg Wolas, the overnight personality on WHOO-AM 990 from 1973 to 1979. Greg became known for his kiddie show parody “Uncle Buckeye’s Kiddie Korner,” that aired in the last five minutes of his show. Sadly, Greg passed away yesterday, June 13, 2009 after a very long battle with the many complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Greg is survived by his wife Christine, sons Jason & Christopher of Deltona, and in Cleveland, Ohio brother Jerry and sisters Pat Miller & Antoinette. |
Erika Roman 5-1-09 Crash kills Power 95.3 DJ Erika Roman Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Author: Keith W. Kohn, Sentinel Staff Writer A popular Orlando radio DJ was killed Friday when she tried to avoid debris on Florida's Turnpike and her car landed upside down underwater about 20 miles south of Osceola County. Erika Roman , 31, the morning host on "Power 95.3 FM", WPYO-FM 95.3, was killed in the 1:30 p.m. single-car crash. A Florida Highway Patrol report says she was driving southbound on the turnpike in the right-hand lane and swerved to the left to avoid a lounge chair in the road. She then overcorrected her 2007 Nissan Sentra and drove off the highway and onto the shoulder, according to the report. That's when her car flipped several times as it traveled more than 50 feet to a roadside canal and came to rest upside down and submerged. An FHP trooper and another motorist went into the water to rescue Roman, the car's lone occupant. The other motorist was injured in his rescue attempt and was taken to a hospital, but the trooper was able to pull Roman from the water. He performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 20 minutes but was unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce. In Roman's final note to friends about 8 a.m. on the Web service Twitter, Roman said: "Ready to go to MIAMI today! Gonna hang with the fam!!!" The radio station offered praise for Roman on its Web site: "Erika was a wonderful, passionate, caring person and she will be missed greatly by all of her friends and family. "If determination had a face, it would look like Erika Roman . If passion had a voice, it would sound like Erika Roman . And if character had a touch, it would feel like Erika Roman ." According to the station's biography of Roman, she was born and raised in New York City and had been in the music business for more than a decade. In her late teens, she was taken under the wing of New York entertainment impresario Sal Abbatiello of Fever Records. She promoted nightclubs for Fever Records while attending Marymount Manhattan College in New York, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications and media. |
Al Risen 4-18-09 In the late '60s Albert H. Risen, Jr. worked at WKLO-AM 1080, WAKY-AM 790, WINN-AM 1240, WKRX-AM 790, WLAP-AM 630 all in Kentucky and WXVW-AM 1450 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Al would move to WKDA in Nashville, and later WSM, where he syndicated a country music show. Al worked at country-formatted WHOO-AM 990 in Orlando as well as WELE-AM 1380 in Ormond Beach in the '80s. Later Al spent many years working for the Post Office in Edgewater. Al died in New Smyrna Beach on April 18, 2009 at the age of 65. |
Charles L. Goulder 3-7-09 Charles L. Goulder, 63 of Daytona Beach, Fl., passed away on March 7, 2009. He graduated in 1963 from Mount Dora High School. Between 1959 and 1966 he was worked at WVGT-AM 1580, Mt. Dora, WBIL-AM 1410, Leesburg and WHOO-AM 990, Orlando. After leaving radio in 1966 he began his career with the Orlando Fire Dept. riding the trucks at Station 1. In 1972 He was promoted to Lieutenant. In 1981 he was promoted to District Chief of Communications. |
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Rick Beckett 2-26-09 Rick Beckett, whose career evolved from a Top 40 rock jock into an acerbic talk show host, died of a heart attack on February 26, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was 54. Rick's first full-time job was at WGTO-AM 540 in Cypress Gardens. In 1984 Rick returned to Florida and Haines City to work at WZNG-AM 1360. Rick was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan then the family moved to Grand Rapids shortly thereafter. His radio career began while he was still in high school at Union High School in Grand Rapids. Beckett's last entry on his blog was a quote from Leo Rosten: "The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make a difference that you lived at all -- using the talents that God has given you for the betterment of others." |
Don Elliot Heald 2-19-09 One of the original Voices of WWV has passed away. The recorded voice of Time and Frequency Station WWV has fallen silent. This with word that announcer Don Elliot Heald, of Atlanta, Georgia, who gave WWV its human touch passed away on Thursday, February 19th. WWV is the oldest continuously-operating radio station in the United States, first going on the air from Washington, D.C. in May 1920, approximately six months before the launch of KDKA. WWV's main function is the continuous dissemination of official U.S. Government time signals. Known in the broadcast world as Don Elliot, Heald had distinguished career that ranged from work at Atlanta Georgia's WSB-TV as general manager to his automated and internationally heard WWV broadcasts on short-wave. He was also the voice of the Audichron telephone dial-in Time-Weather-Temperature service and of the Protestant Hour radio show for over 40 years. For nearly five decades Heald narrated the televised Christmas Eve service from Atlanta's Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, where he served as a vestryman, junior warden and senior warden. Heald was originally from Massachusetts, but came to Atlanta via Lakeland, Florida. He was a graduate of the University of Florida at Gainesville and began his broadcast career after graduation when he accepted a position at WRUF-AM 850 where remained for three years. In Atlanta he spent much of his spare time devoted to public service work with charities and civic clubs. |
William A. Stipsits 2-15-09 Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a past member of Ormond Beach Rotary, the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Broadcasters, the United Way and a variety of other civic organizations during his career. Before his retirement he was the director of the Daytona Beach News-Journal InfoNet Services. Prior to working at the News-Journal he enjoyed a long career in radio broadcast management at WROD-AM 1340 Daytona Beach as well as Orlando, and Ohio which spanned more than 30 years. Bill was a life long St. Louis Cardinals fan. |
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Brantley Slaughter, 78, constant
champion for 'the little guy' |
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Melvin
W. Grace Sr., known as "Little Daddy" during his years as
the morning disc jockey at WOKB-AM
1600, died of pneumonia Nov. 24. He was 79. |
Bill Drake Passes 11-30-08 Legendary radio programmer Bill Drake of KHJ/Los Angeles "Boss Radio" fame and other stations in the 1960s and 1970s, and who along with his business partner Lester Eugene "Gene" Chenault formed the radio syndication company Drake-Chenault in the late-1960s and early-1970s, which specialized in jingle packages and automated music formats for AM and FM radio stations, died from lung cancer in Los Angeles on Nov. 29. He was 71. |
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Sgt. Jim Humphries 8-7-08 Retired Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Jim Humphries died Monday, August 6, 2008, from injuries suffered in a car accident. Humphries spent 27 years at the Highway Patrol before retiring in 1980. He helped create a weekly television program called The Law and You, which addressed local law enforcement and community issues. He also did daily traffic reports on WHOO-AM 990. |
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Thomas C. Siegfried 6-15-08 Thomas Craig Siegfried, 72, Winter Garden, died Sunday, June 15. He was born in Independence, MO, and lived in Winter Garden for 24 years. He attended Kansas University and served in the Army National Guard. He established PDQ Printing in Orlando before opening West Orange Quick Print with his wife, Gayle, in Ocoee. Prior to his printing career, he was part of the management team at WLOF-AM 950. Survivors: wife of 21 years, Gayle Davidson Siegfried; sons, Thomas Craig Jr., Michael Martin and wife Kim, all of Winter Garden, Steve, Winter Park, Kevin Martin and wife Kara, Ocoee; daughters, Lisa Bohn, Sarasota, Laura Toshie and husband Miles, Winter Park; grandchildren, Sasha Bohn, Peter Bohn, Nicholas Bohn, Hannah Toshie, Abbey Toshie, Gabriella, Jacob Martin, Zach Martin, Leigh Anne Martin, Victoria Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of one's choice. A celebration of Tom's life will be held this Thursday, June 19, at 7PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. The family will receive visitors from 6-7PM. All family and friends are invited to a reception at the Siegfrieds' home immediately following the celebration. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on 6/18/2008. |
Bill Vermillion Passes 5-25-08 Dick Camnitz aka Dick Shane reports the passing of an Orlando radio legend. Bill Vermillion known as "the weird beard" on WLOF-AM 950 has lost his 2 year battle with Cancer. Bill requested no formal funeral or memorial service but there most likely will be a celebration of his life at some later date. Stay tuned for details as they become available. Longtime Orlando Radio Giant William Joseph Vermillion Jr. dies of cancer at 71 5-27-08 Rich McKay Sentinel Staff Writer May 27, 2008 Before the homogenization of radio, it was the voice of "The Weird Beard" who ruled Orlando's airwaves with rapid-fire banter, free-style record selections and a zaniness that has all but been sterilized out of existence. The voice of Weird Beard, a '60s- and '70s-era disc jockey for WLOF AM -- fell silent a little after 1 p.m. Saturday when he succumbed to a long fight with intestinal cancer, his son said. Vermillion was 71. "The chemotherapy had just worn him out," his son, William Fred Vermillion, said Monday from his Orlando home where a number of longtime friends and well-wishers gathered. There was no formal announcement and no funeral or service is planned, the younger Vermillion said, following his father's wishes. But news of the elder Vermillion's passing spread across Internet websites devoted to radio days of yesteryear. Steve Rutledge, whose late father John (Rutledge) once owned the Orlando station, said that Vermillion should be remembered not only for his on-air presence, which was a must-listen for young people wanting the Beatles and later Jimi Hendrix, but for his uncanny ability to pick tomorrow's top songs before anyone else. "He was known as 'B-side Bill' because he'd listen to the flip side of a record, not just the A-side that the record producers were promoting," said Rutledge, now of Memphis, Tenn. "He was truly a legend, nationally known, everybody and his brother knew Weird Beard," he said. Former colleague Lee Arnold, now of Milwaukee, said Vermillion is credited for putting Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" on the top-40 lists of the country back in 1967. After leaving the station before it was sold and automated in 1982, Vermillion became a recording engineer for BeeJay Recording Studio where he helped make albums for bands such as Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and Judas Priest. In addition to his son, the elder Vermillion is survived by his wife Bonnie Vermillion of Winter Park; his brother Robert J. Vermillion of Great Falls, Mont.; daughter-in-law Brenda Vermillion; grandson Christopher Vermillion; and granddaughter Anastajia Williams. Rich McKay can be reached at rmckay@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5470. Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel |
Tom Franklin 5-9-08 Pamal Broadcasting's WRZN-AM 720 Hernando-Ocala general manager Tom Franklin passed away Friday May 9, 2008 from an apparent heart attack. From The Citrus Chronicle By Mike Wright To hear his friend Jackie Boring put it, Tom Franklin had a “wonderful mind.” Former Citrus County Commissioner Josh Wooten playfully sparred with Franklin while the two talked politics on TV. Then Franklin got into the political ring himself, running for county commission against another friend, incumbent Vicki Phillips. All three were in shock Friday after hearing that Franklin died of a heart attack suffered while he and Boring were on their way to dinner. “Citrus County just lost a wonderful mind,” Boring said. “He could have really helped. I used to say his brain was fantastic, phenomenal and fun. He would find a solution to almost everything. If that solution didn’t work, he’d find another one.” Boring and Franklin were on their way to the Outback Steakhouse at around 5 p.m. Her car was stopped for the red light at the intersection of County Roads 491 and 486 when Boring said she noticed Franklin gasping for breath. Another motorist saw the trouble and called 911. Franklin, 60, was rushed to Citrus Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where emergency workers were unable to revive him, Citrus County Sheriff’s Capt. Richard Wesch said. Franklin, who suffered a heart attack in 1999, spent much of last week in the hospital with abdominal pains, Wooten said. He saw Franklin on Wednesday at the Citrus Hills Information Fiesta and again Friday at lunch. “He seemed to be doing really well,” Wooten said. “I spent two hours with him right before this happened. We were having lunch, talking about old times.” Franklin was general manager of WRZN-AM. He held the same position for four years at WYKE-TV, where he and Wooten spent a half-hour each week discussing politics on “We Have Issues.” Franklin also had intense interest in the county’s history and its development. He served on the blue ribbon committee that developed Citrus County’s first comprehensive growth-management plan. In January, Franklin announced his campaign for county commission in the Republican primary against Phillips. County Administrator Anthony Schembri notified Phillips and other commissioners of Franklin’s death. Phillips said she and Franklin were friends. “I’ve known him since he came to this county,” she said. “He’s always been a perfect gentleman and a fine man. I’m just so sad.” |
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TalkStar Radio Morning Co-Host Kim Matthews Dies 3-29-08 Courtesy of Radio Ink WHITE SPRINGS, FL -- March 27, 2008: Kim Matthews, co-host with Ed Shiflett of TalkStar Radio Networks' American Daybreak morning show, has died at age 40, the network reports. Matthews, known on the air as TalkStar Kim, also served as Production Director for the company's White Springs TV satellite network. TalkStar CEO Victor Ives said in a statement, "It is hard to think of what the mornings will be like without the banter between Kim and Ed. We have already been getting calls from listeners saying they are missing the radio show. It is now our sad duty to report the reason why the show isn't being aired. The bright light of her humor and grace has been dimmed. But Kim Matthews will not be soon forgotten." The local affiliate of The TalkStar Radio network is WPGS-AM 840. 
Kimberly Ann Matthews was born on June 29, 1967 in Saddlebrook,
NJ, and grew up in Lincoln Park, NJ. She moved to Florida in 1989 where
she spent her remaining days. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday
March 26, 2008.She was the loved radio personality of TalkStar Kim on American Daybreak on local station TalkStar 840 AM and nationally on the TalkStar Radio Network. She was also the Production Director of White Springs TV a small national movie channel for cable systems and TV stations. She is survived by Parents: Linda and Terrence Matthews. Children: Samantha, Amy, and Kelley Mackey. Grandchildren: Maria Lea and James Mackey. Sisters Dawn Kaisen, Debbie Matthews, and Kelly Higgins and her loving companion Ed Shiflett. |
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Walter Windsor 2-29-08 Walter Windsor came to Orlando in 1969 and worked as general manager and editorial spokesman at WFTV-Channel 9. When the station was sold in 1984, he became head of the new owner's broadcasting division. Windsor also dabbled in radio. The corporation he formed, Comco, Inc. had interests in two Venice, Florida stations; WAMR-AM 1320 and WRAV-FM 92.1. Stations in Central Florida included WGGG-AM 1230, WWLD-AM 1190 as well as WINV-AM 1560. A "Celebration of the Life of Walter M. Windsor" will be held from 7 to 10 pm on Monday, March 10, 2008 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre (Universal Theatre) in Orlando, 1001 E Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803. Directions are available at www.orlandorep.com/contact.htm. For information on the Celebration of the Life of Walter M. Windsor, please call Wendy at 407-257-7834. Walter's family has setup a tribute website to Walter at http://www.walterwindsor.com |
Lillian Eiland 1-19-08 Lillian Jaffe Eiland, 86, of Orlando, FL, formerly of Huntington, WVA, died Saturday, January 19, 2008 in Orlando. She was born March 26, 1921 in Huntington, a daughter by birth of Sandor Lagun and Rae Marguerite Cuttler Jaffe. Shew was a member of the B'nai Sholom Congregation and very active with the Surfside Players in Cocoa Beach, FL, having served as president and acted in a number of productions. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Anthony "Ted" Eiland, with whom she owned and ran WKKO radio station in Cocoa, FL, and her father Isidore Jaffe of Huntington. She is survived by her four sons, Howard A. Eiland, Stuart A. Eiland, Robert A. Eiland and Richard A. Eiland; and 10 grandchildren. Graveside services were held on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the B'nai Israel Section of Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, by Rabbi David Wucher. Expressions of sympathy may be made to B'nai Sholom Congregation, P. O. Box 2674, Huntington, WV 25726. |
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Paul Yeskel 9-23-07 Paul Yeskel has spent over 30 years in the music business with experience as a concert promoter, on air personality at WORJ-FM 107.7, artist manager, talent agent. In 1985 Yeskel established Aim Strategies, an independent promotion and marketing company specializing in Rock promotion and retail tracking. Aim was a pioneer in new technology by developing the first computer software for tracking radio play and retail sales as well as being the first promotion entity to deliver radio reports to their clients via fax. In 1994 Aim became the first company to promote what was to later become the AAA format. Paul passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, September 23, 2007. He was 56. |
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Fred Klein's Obituary
From Lancaster Online |
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2006 Carl Marcocci Passes 12-23-06 The owner of four Tampa radio stations, Carl Marcocci, 68, died from an apparent heart attack Thursday night, December 23, 2006. Marcocci was leaving a dinner meeting with his station managers to give out bonus checks, according to his partner Steve Schurdell. His car crashed through a fence and struck a building next door. The burglar alarm went off about 7:20 p.m. His body was found the next morning in his Mercedes coupe. Marcocci's daughter, Sharon Moffatt said Saturday that the family believes her father died of a heart attack, possibly induced by the anguish of his son’s death earlier this year and her own ongoing struggle with cancer. Radio was always a big part of Marcocci’s life. He started out as a disc jockey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and worked in many different cities, even serving a stint in Korea working for military radio. He married Betty Lou Henderson, in 1962, but they had to keep their marriage secret because Betty Lou was a flight attendant for United Airlines and at that time, stewardesses (as they were called then) were not allowed to be married. At the time of his death, Mr. Marcocci owned the Palm Harbor based oldies station, WJQB-FM 106.3, WXCV-FM 95.3 in Homosassa Springs and WXOF-FM 96.3, Spring Hill as well as WINV-AM 1560,Beverly Hills. Carl is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Marcocci, daughter Sharon Moffatt, son Russell Marcocci, and sister Lucy Jane Clement as well as uncle, Louis Coccoli. |
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Lakeland Radio Legend Bud Kurtz Passes 12-20-06 Frank M. "Bud" Kurtz, Jr., of Lakeland, died December 20, 2006, at the age of 79. Mr. Kurtz was an owner-operator of radio station WVFM-FM 94.1 with partners, Duane McConnell and Herb Todd. After selling the stations, he worked there for an additional eight years. |
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Longtime Obituary from Naples News By Charlie Whitehead A man who made Southwest Florida morning listeners laugh - and cringe - for most of two decades is off the air for good. Joe Scott, 46, died Tuesday after collapsing at his home in 
Scott worked for Beasley Broadcasting stations as an on-air personality
off and on for 15 years. His career with Beasley included stints at
stations WRXK-FM, WJBX-FM and WWCN-AM. His devoted
fans loved him, but he was frequently at odds with his bosses. He also
made no secret of the fact that he battled drug addiction. He was fired
most recently in March, said ex-wife Emilee Scott, herself a
frequent target in routines that followed the travails of his life. She
said when he died he had been working on launching an Internet radio
station and awaiting a visit from his Wisconsin-based sons. “He was an
entertainer,” she said. “He was getting ready to launch the station
and (looked forward to) visiting with the kids.” |
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Billy “The Janitor” Alverson Passes 8-6-06 William "Billy The Janitor" Alverson of station WJRR-FM 101.1 has died. Billy was found dead in his beige Nissan truck about 3 a.m. Saturday morning. A window was broken out, his body still strapped in the seat belt on Aug. 6, 2006. Alverson, 45, had been on the air, mostly weekends, since 1998. In addition, he was also in promotions for "Real Rook 101one" and for WQTM-AM 740 "740 The Team". He had recently taken over promotions for Clear Channel Brevard. Witness statements suggest three shots may have been fired and that Alverson may have had a confrontation with someone in another vehicle before he was shot. Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office say they are still pursuing the case. |
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Wes Unold 4-06 Wesley H. Unold, 70, of Summerfield passed away of natural causes. Mr. Unold was a radio personality for WLBE-AM 790 in Leesburg, WMOP-AM 900, WMOP-FM 93.7 and WFUZ-FM 93.7 in Ocala. Born in Flushing, N.Y., he moved to Florida in 1972 from North Carolina. He was an alumni of the Columbia School of Broadcasting and was a member of the Moose Lodge. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Reomia Unold of Summerfield; daughters: Renee Howerton of Belleview, Lisa McMasters of Ocala; sons: Eric Unold of Atlanta, Ga., Galen Unold of Ocala, Brian Unold of Atlanta, Ga.; and 10 grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life at Roberts Funeral Homes, Ocala (352-622-4141) on Wednesday, April 12th at 5:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to your local Humane Society. Roberts Funeral Home, Ocala. |
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Chris
Morgan Passes |
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Woody Wooden Passes Long time area disc-jockey and newsman, Woody Wooden has passed away after a brief illness. With more than 50 years on the airwaves Woody’s mellow voice up until recently had entertained Sunday night listeners on WPCV-FM 97.5 with "The Classic Country Show".
Woody also worked at WGTO-AM
540 when the station was at Cypress Gardens. He will be missed
for his great demeanor and enduring respect for the artist’s records
he played during his career. |
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Al Lee 1-11-06 OCALA - Al Lee , 77, a retired journalist, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. A native of Nashville, Ga., he moved here in 1960 from Pompano Beach. An award-winning investigative journalist for the Tampa Tribune and the Star-Banner, he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. He was a former radio news editor for WMOP-AM 900 and WTMC-AM 1290, public relations director for the Florida Department of Corrections, and city editor for the Star-Banner. He began the Marion County Meditation Program, was the first non-lawyer to argue before the Florida Supreme Court and was a columnist for the Voice of South Marion. Mr. Lee was the recipient of the Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Achievement Award, was the youngest person to fly solo in the state, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. |
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George J. Duck 8-12-05 Palatka Daily News George Julius Duck, 82, of Palatka, died Friday, August 12, 2005, at the Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka following a brief illness. He was born in Columbus, Ga., and had formerly lived in St. Augustine. He had been a resident of Palatka for the past 65 years, coming from Quincy. He was a 1941 graduate of the Putnam High School in Palatka. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He served as Public Safety Director for Putnam County for 27 years, retiring in 1988. He had a lifelong interest in radio. Forty years ago he worked at the former WWPF(-AM 1260) Radio in Palatka (now WIYD) as an engineer and disc jockey. He later helped to establish the former WSUZ(-AM 800) in Palatka, which is now WPLK and he worked there as an engineer and radio personality for many years up until this May when health problems forced his retirement. He was the host of the "Swap Shop" on WPLK for many years. He was a member of the Bert Hodge Post No. 45 of the American Legion in Palatka and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 3349 in Palatka. Besides his work he also enjoyed ham radios, playing the guitar, fishing and computers. He is featured in the article, "Don't You Know There's A War On?" in the current edition of the Welcome Magazine. |
Jack Wilson Passes 7-18-05 Jack Wilson, 75, of Leesburg passed away Thursday, July 14th. Jack was a barber and a sports announcer for Leesburg High School for 40 years. M.J. McNair, general manager of WLBE-AM 790 that broadcast Wilson’s coverage, said Wilson was the "driving force" for the program. “When I first started hearing him, he had a good voice and delivery,” McNair said. “He was a homegrown, homespun broadcaster. That made him good for Lake County. He kept Leesburg sports at the top of his priorities." When Leesburg High School’s football stadium was condemned, Wilson joined with other local businessmen, known as the "Silly Six" in helping to raise money to construct a new stadium at Leesburg High School. Jack served two terms on the Leesburg City Commission and as mayor in 1970. |
Charlie Liles 6-21-05 FLORIDA TODAY (Melbourne, FL)-June 23, 2005 Author: Staff, BRITT KENNERLY TITUSVILLE -- Friends and family have vivid memories of a former Titusville mayor well known for his community service and remembered for his booming voice. Charlie Liles, 72, who served two terms as a council member in the mid-1970s and was elected in 1978 to one term as mayor, died Tuesday at his home in Daytona Beach. His daughter, Donna Hendricks of Huntsville, Ala., described her father as a "special kind of guy." "If it was something he really wanted done and he felt strongly about it, you knew it," she said. "You always knew where he stood -- he was going to push, and he got a lot done." Many credit Liles as instrumental in the campaign to restore the Veterans Memorial Pier and with upgrading State Road 50 to four lanes during his service with the city. But for local sports fans, Liles was also known as "The Voice of High School Football and Basketball," working as an announcer for WRMF-AM 1050 and WAMT-AM 1060 radio stations. The master of ceremonies for the Titusville Junior Miss Pageant for 14 years, he continued work as a disc jockey for dances and special events after moving to Daytona Beach eight years ago. "He was a great gentleman, very much a family man and very active in church and with the United Men's Fellowship," said George Mosakowski, who met Liles as a member of Indian River City United Methodist Church. "And he was a terrific disc jockey." John Peterson, water resources manager for the city, agreed. "He had a very good broadcast voice. I remember listening to some of his play-by-play -- that's my best memory of him," he said. "It was a long time ago, but working with him was always a very good experience." Liles was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Selma, N.C., and raised and educated in Tampa. In the early 1960s, he and his family moved to Titusville, where one of Liles' three children, a son, Chuck Liles, still lives. Another son, David Liles, lives in Live Oak. Liles would be happy to see the progress on the pier in a city he loved, said his daughter. "When I was growing up, my dad would get so upset when the weekend would come and my friends and I would go to Merritt Island to go shopping," Hendricks said. "He'd say, 'Why, when Titusville has everything, do you go to Merritt Island?' His family upbringing was community - oriented - my grandfather was a Boy Scout executive. My father just really liked people." |
Veteran broadcaster passes 6-14-05 Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel Taking Names Column Wayne Trout, a 30-plus-year veteran of Central Florida's airwaves, tragically surprised his mother, radio peers and legions of listeners when he unexpectedly died last week. "He was his jolly old self," Doris Trout said of her 56-year-old son. "He just went to bed, and then he died." Trout worked as newsman, anchor and news director on myriad stations, including WDBO, WTRR and WKIS. While Trout's on-air persona was known by the masses, those who knew him said it was his off-air personality -- his love of life, partying and his willingness to take in the forlorn -- they remember most. "He was one of the originals," said afternoon talker Jim Philips, who both competed against and worked alongside Trout through the years. "If you or your buddy got a divorce or dumped, you could stay with Wayne. And he would turn 'em around in a couple of days." Though Trout wasn't working in the hardscrabble business when he passed, his mother said it was still in his blood. "He started out when he was 18, and he never really got out of it." Wayne Trout Passes Jun 2005  Wayne
Trout a fixture of Central Florida radio for over 30 years has
died in his sleep on Friday, according to WTKS-FM
104.1's Jim Philips.
Wayne was 56 years old. Details will follow as they become available. Jim
Philips notes "...Many men and more women will mourn his
passing." Read Wayne Trout's Memorial Service; A
Personal Reminisce by Pat
Flannagan. |
Bill Gephart Passes 6-2-05 Bill Gephart, who began his radio career in the 1970's at WACY-AM 1220, Kissimmee and later worked as the News Director for WLBE-AM 790, Leesburg before moving to WDBO-AM 580, Orlando for more than 10 years, passed away on June 2, 2005. Bill had been ill lately, and his health declined in recent months after the death of his mother in October 2004. He was 52 years old. Grissom Funeral Home, Kissimmee is handling the services. Visitation is Sunday June 5, between 3:00pm and 4:00pm with the service at 4:00pm Grissom Funeral Home 803 Emmett St. Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 847-3131 |
Steven Delay Passes 5-12-05 Rama Communications Chief Engineer Steven Delay passed away Wednesday, May 11th in Richmond, Virginia. He was 52 years old. Mr. Delay was in Richmond helping rebuild an AM station in the market. He suffered a heart attack after finishing up and loading a truck. He is survived by his wife, Eve and 4 children. He's also survived by several grandchildren and step children. Steve was a great engineer and an even better human being. He treated you with the respect you deserved. Everyone at Rama Communications extends their deepest condolences to The Delay Family. Rama Communications is the licensee of WOKB-AM 1600 and WLAA-AM 1680 Winter Garden, WKIQ-AM 1240 Eustis, WQBQ-AM 1410 Leesburg, WNTF-AM 1580 Bithlo, WTIR-AM 1300 Cocoa Beach, WFVR Wellborn, GA and WOKB-LP (TV) Orlando. Paul Walker, Jr. Pays Tribute To His Mentor 3 years ago, May 11th, 2005 one of the nicest, kindest radio people I'd ever met passed away. Steve Delay was the Chief Engineer for Rama Communications, Incorporated in Orlando-Cocoa, Florida. He oversaw the "mess" that was WTIR-AM 1300, WNTF-AM 1580, WOKB-AM 1600, WLAA-AM 1680, WQBQ-AM 1410, WKIQ-AM 1240 and WRFV-AM 910, Valdosta, GA. He was one of the best engineers I've ever known. He was also a wonderful friend and co-worker. I started work at WTIR-AM 1300 in March 2005 and was awakened one day about 3 months later by a call from someone in our Orlando office that Steve had passed away from a heart attack the night before. I almost immediately started crying and dropped the phone. I picked it up, told the person I had to go, collect my thoughts and make a few phone calls. I called my consultant and good friend, Ira Littman to tell him what had happened. Ira and Steve had been friends for years. In fact, it was Ira who helped me get that job at WTIR. Ira was as shaken as I was. I immediately then called Steve's wife, Eve to see if there was ANYTHING I could do. She was, understandably, hysterical and in tears. Steve knew SO many people, had many friends and touched so many people's lives. He was one of the NICEST guys you'd ever meet and very, very hard working. He didn't settle for anything less then the best. I was 22 years old and still yearning for information and learning as I went along. He ALWAYS answered my questions about how something worked or why something was broken. If I genuinely wanted to know, he was more then glad to share his knowledge with me. He was extremely easy going and easy to get along with. if I made a mistake, he didn't dwell or harp on it. He just told me what I did wrong, told me not to do it again and we moved on. As a friend and as a co-worker, I still miss him to this day. I don't know what else to say about him that I haven't already said. We're thinking of you, Steve. |
Bill Burgess Passes 5-05  Bill
Burgess long time sales manager of WFIV-AM
1080 in Kissimmee during the 1960s and 70s has died. Bill was
Born in Johnson City, Tennessee. Bill took WHHL-AM
1190 from country to oldies and brought the oldies to Sanford's WTRR-AM
1400. Bill was an Air Force Veteran, and an avid fisherman. |
Gordon Lund 2-21-05 Obituary Form The Daytona News Journal ORMOND BEACH-Gordon C. Lund, 71, of North Yonge Street, who owned and operated WAPN 91.5 FM, a Christian radio station in Holly Hill, since 1985 with his wife of 51 years Earlyne, died Monday at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach. Mr. Lund, an Army veteran of the Korean War, was born in Montevideo, Minn., and moved here in 1983. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church and enjoyed traveling, car auctions, football and playing free cell and solitaire. Additional survivors include a son, Mark, Sebastian; three daughters, Shellye Vallance, Holly Hill, Penny Piccirillo, Ormond Beach, and Pam Storm, Merritt Island; a brother, Paul, Hillsboro, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to WAPN 91.5 FM, 1508 State Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117. |
Orlando Radio Pioneer John Rutledge Passes 1-29-05  Mr. John Thomas Rutledge, Ocala, died on January 29, 2005 . See our John Rutledge Tribute |
2004  Keith
Altiero 12-19-04Keith joined the WDBO-AM 580 news team in 1999. Born in New York and raised in the coal-mining town of Shenandoah, Pa., Altiero wanted to be the best at whatever he did. At age 12 he fought Hodgkin's disease and was part of a pioneering study to find a cure, his brother Kerry Altiero of Owls Head, Maine, said. At 16, Keith Altiero flew a plane solo. He decided later to become a race-car driver and participated in closed-circuit road racing with Sports Car Club of America, even going to the national championship. He trained and raced continually and then moved to Central Florida to get back into radio. In 2001 he won five awards for his work from the Florida Associated Press and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for his political reporting. Altiero died Sunday, December 19, 2004 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 51. |
Ben Taylor 11-6-04 Daytona Beach News-Journal Former WESH host, Ben Taylor, 82 November 13, 2004 On a CBS affiliate in Richmond, Va., young Ben Taylor introduced many of the music stars of the day - Arthur Godfrey, Patti Page and country music legend Hank Williams. That job back in 1947 started him on a lifetime career in radio, television and motion pictures. Taylor, a longtime Daytona Beach resident who appeared on area television stations and as a radio personality, died Nov. 6 at Baptist Hospital in Miami. He was 82. Taylor, a native of Roanoke, Va., had a lifelong love affair with Florida and migrated here in the early 1950s to work in broadcasting, said his son, Roderick, a California screen-writer and former resident as well. His father claimed the title of being the first disc jockey on the CBS network then. Here, he worked with radio stations WNDB-AM 1150, WMFJ-AM 1450, WROD-AM 1340 and WQUX, which he helped found. For many years, he appeared on WESH-TV, hosting and producing several programs, including "Outdoors with Ben Taylor." His work in conservation earned him the Governor's Conservation Award. In addition to working in broadcasting, Taylor also appeared as an actor in several films and televisions series, including "Route 66" as well as a feature film about the Cuban expatriate movement. "Over the years, with his rich and distinctive voice, he narrated ads for numerous national advertisers, the state and national government, including the U.S. Army and Voice of America," said his son. Taylor was a former sergeant in the Marine Corps. Moving to Miami in the 1980s, Taylor enjoyed dancing and singing with his rich baritone, said Roderick Taylor, of Sherman Oaks. |
Chester E. "Chet" Pike 10-13-04 After a career in radio and TV Chet became a restaurant owner. Gauchos in Cocoa Beach. An authentic Cuban-Spanish restaurant in Brevard County. His grandfather was Spanish and Pike lived for many years in south Florida where he became familiar with Cuban cooking. Many of the recipes used are family favorites or recipes collected during Pike's travels in South and Central America. One of these is for Puchero, an Argentine beef stew, which Pike says is one of the main dishes of the gauchos (South American cowboys). Chet passed away on October 13, 2004 from heart failure at age 72. |
Bill Leisner 1-7-2004 Bill Leisner the President and General Manager of WJLU-FM 89.7, New Smyrna Beach, died on January 7, 2004. |
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Roger Cleary 8-27-03 Daily Commercial-Leesburg 8/30/2003 Roger Manning Cleary, 81, of Tavares, died Wednesday, August 27, 2003 in Tavares, Fla. Roger was born in Manistee, Michigan on October 26, 1921 to Leo and Gertrude Cleary. He is survived by his wife, Helen Cleary of Tavares; his son, Stephen David Cleary of Palatine, Ill., and his wife, Sue, and their three daughters, Andrea, Vanessa and Alexus; a daughter, Susan Beyer, husband Ernie, of Novato, Calif. and Heather and Mario Bynum and two-great-grandchildren. Roger had college degrees from the University of Michigan and a Graduate degree from Indiana University. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadets of the U.S. Army Air Corps and served from 1942 to 1946 in the States, England, and Germany and served in the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey, analyzing the effects of Pinpoint Bombing on the German Machine Tool Industry. Back in the States, he worked for several Motion Picture companies, including his own, Roger Cleary Productions. He did TV work for Inside Michigan Magazine, and wrote and co-produced the "Life in Detroit" TV series for Life Magazine. He worked with most of the domestic automotive manufacturers at one time or another, and was the Hollywood, Calif. Account Executive for the Western 15 States on the Chrysler Corporation Account for Leo Burnett Co. from 1958 to 1968. Roger worked with ABC TV, NBC TV and retired from the Consumer Publications Division of CBS in 1984. He worked part-time at WLBE-AM 790 . Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Lake County. As a final note, Roger sends his love and joy of living to all those whose lives have touched his and his family's and wishes them total goodness and God's ultimate blessings in their lives. PEACE. Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. |
Vance Tyler 7-29-03 Daytona Beach News Journal August 1, 2003 Vance Leite Tyler, of North Atlantic Avenue, a radio personality on WNDB-AM 1150 morning talk show and a broadcaster with WVYB-FM 103.3, died Tuesday July 29, 2003 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at home, according to police reports. He was 52. Tyler formerly owned and operated the American Career Institute, a broadcasting school affiliated with WNDB that trained students for a career in radio. He later became a member of the "Dave & Company" morning show on WNDB-AM radio. On-air personalities Dave Laing and Shannon Pierce said Tyler's legacy will live on through his students, as he helped launch hundreds of broadcasting careers. Another of Tyler's peers, Black Crow (Broadcasting) operations manager and WHOG-FM 95.7 on-air personality Frank Scott, said, "Vance was highly respected in the broadcasting industry. His work ethic and dedication to the industry was second to none. More importantly, he was genuinely a great person and a friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." Tyler moved to this area in 1973 from his birthplace, Jacksonville. He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan and enjoyed the beach. Survivors include a daughter, Amanda Collins, Winter Park, and two grandchildren. Ormond Funeral Home is in charge. |
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William Masi 2-16-00 Newark Star-Ledger February 20, 2000 A Mass for William Masi, 94, of Longwood, Fla., a former New Jersey resident, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, South Orange, following the funeral from the Joseph W. Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave., South Orange. Mr. Masi, who died Wednesday February 16, 2000 in the South Seminole Hospital, Longwood, retired as the superintendent of the Brick Church branch of the U.S. Post Office, East Orange, 39 years ago after working there for 36 years. He also owned the Bill Masi Radio Network, South Orange, NJ and Longwood, FL., and WHBI, Newark, WBGC, Chipley, Fla., WVCF-AM 1480, Ocoee, Fla., and WWJZ-AM 1400, Sanford, Fla. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 766, Orlando, Fla., and a Cavaliere Knight, an honor he received from the Republic of Italy in 1967. Born in New York City, he lived in South Orange for 50 years before moving to Florida 20 years ago. Surviving are his wife, Mertice E.; a grandchild and a great-grandchild. |
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THE
ORLANDO SENTINEL - January 6, 1999 |
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COCOA BEACH -Theodore A. "Ted" Eiland, a retired television executive, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge. He was 81. Mr. Eiland grew up in Logan, W.Va. After graduating from the University of West Virginia with a journalism degree, he served in the Navy as a lieutenant during World War II. Mr. Eiland began his career in broadcasting in Charleston, W.Va. "Capt. John Kennedy was a speaker at his graduation and was very impressed with Ted. He owned a radio station in Charleston and asked Ted to come and work for him," said his wife of 51 years, Lillian Eiland of Cocoa Beach. In 1970, Mr. Eiland moved to Brevard to own and operate WKKO(-AM 860) radio station in Cocoa. He retired from broadcasting in 1975, and became a lecturer in communications at Western Carolina University. The Eilands returned to Cocoa Beach in 1978. Throughout his life, Mr. Eiland maintained an active interest in the theater. He appeared in numerous plays in Melbourne and Cocoa Beach and traveled with the one-man show "Clarence Darrow". Matt Roush, a former Today critic, was quoted as saying, "'Clarence Darrow' is a provocative, stirring entertainment delivered with great style and energy by one of Brevard's best actors." Mr. Eiland also wrote the play "The Most Dangerous Woman," which won a national award and was performed in New York City. The play also was aired on PBS. "He was a very talented, compassionate man with a sense of humor and a great deal of integrity along with that," his wife said. Other survivors include his sons, Howard Eiland of Sharon, MA, Stuart Eiland or Winchester, VA, Robert Eiland of Northborough, MA, and Richard Eiland of Orlando; and seven grandchildren. No calling hours are scheduled. Services are at 11:30 a.m. today at Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach. Burial will be in West Virginia. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to Surfside Players, P.O. Box 320053, Cocoa Beach, FL 32921; or to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice, c/o Wuesthoff Health Systems Foundation, P.O. Box 565002, Rockledge, FL 32956-5002. |
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1993 Gene Smith Eugene F. ''Gene'' Smith-General Manager-WLBE-AM 790-1970s, early 1980s, and again in the early 1990s died of cancer in August 1993. |
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1976 John Patrick Beacom Founder of Beacom Broadcasting Enterprises and original owner of WJPB-AM 1220 in Kissimmee, John Patrick Beacom died at the age of 72 on January 3, 1976. Beacom also served as Member of West Virginia state house of delegates from Cabell County, in 1933, was also a member of West Virginia state senate 5th District from 1935-38 and then as Mayor of Port St. Lucie County. |
1974 Johnny G 3-15-04 WLOF-AM 950's first Johnny G (Johnny Gilbert) died while working as an airborne traffic reporter at KULF-AM 790 in Houston. Johnny was killed when the "KULF bird" crashed while covering a fire on March 15, 1974. Johnny was attempting to get a close-up look at a chemical tank car fire at the Settegast Railroad yard. Witnesses said he was just a few hundred feet above the fire when the violent updraft threw his plane out of control and at that extremely low altitude, he didn't have the room or time to regain control. The plane rolled over on its back and spiraled into the ground. Johnny was posthumously awarded the Steve Pieringer Award by the Texas Association of Broadcasters in 1974. |
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Frederic
Ferree Klein, 71, died
Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the Lancaster General Hospital after a long
battle with Parkinson's disease. Fred was born on February 4, 1936 in
Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Professor Frederic
Shriver Klein and Florence Haenle Klein of Lancaster. Klein
graduated from Manheim Township High School, and attended Mercersburg
Academy. He also studied at Franklin and Marshall College. He was a
veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean War. In the early 60s
he obtained his first job at WGAL radio on an afternoon jazz show.
He made a switch to rock 'n roll at WLAN radio in 1963. He
continued to work along the East Coast as a D.J./Radio announcer including
stints in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, Florida. In 1987, he returned to
Lancaster and was employed by Friendly Transportation. Fred's interest was
always music, especially jazz, big bands, and later, Rock 'N Roll. He also
was especially fond of animals, and he made many contributions to the
Lancaster County Humane League. He was a life-long member of his family's
Shriver Homestead, an historic Civil War museum in Union Mills, Maryland.
He is survived by his sister, Joan Klein Weidman of Millersville,
and three children, Joseph Shriver Klein, John Wayne Klein,
and Julie Anne Klein. He has six grandchildren and
three great grandchildren. A private interment will be held at the
convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Fred's name may be
sent to Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD
21158, or the Parkinson's Disease Association, 1250 Hyland Blvd., Suite
4B, Staten Island, NY 10305. Arrangements entrusted to Auer Memorial Home
and Cremation Services, Harrisburg.